Embryologist Profile: Charletta Ohlrichs Trans Ova Genetics, Sioux Center, Iowa
Q: What duties are required in your role? am the assistant In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) lab manager. My main duties are to assist in overseeing the A: Iday-to-day operations of the Iowa IVF lab located in Sioux Center, Iowa. I am responsible for the Fresh Ship program. This includes grading, loading & shipping all fresh embryos that go out of our Iowa facility. I work with the team to aspirate, fertilize, culture, transfer and freeze all embryos created in our IVF program. I am also a member of Trans Ova Genetics’ safety team.
Q: What training or education was most beneficial for your role? Associate of Applied Science degree from National College in Rapid City, South Dakota, A: IandhavemyanBachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Both programs were valuable to my roles at Trans Ova Genetics as I not only have a veterinary background but I also specialized in reproduction work while working at the ISU Veterinary Teaching School.
Q: What part of your background was most valuable? entered the field of agriculture primarily because of my background on a small diversified A: Ifamily farm. My love for raising cattle and my 4-H livestock background, and my interest in science were the most important things that helped me achieve my goal of being an embryologist.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your role? enjoy all aspects of my job. The clients, and the opportunity to work with superior genetics A: Idrive me to do my best every day. The science is fascinating and I work with a great group of people.
Q: What do you enjoy the least? 25 years at Trans Ova Genetics there isn’t much I haven’t liked. The weather can make A: After some new challenges for someone working with live embryos. I don’t always appreciate that
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but that is life in agriculture!
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I enjoy all aspects of my job. The clients, and the opportunity to work with superior genetics drive me to do my best every day.
August 2013 • theshowcircuit.com
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